Dowelmax Classic Doweling Jig

Overview

Dowelmax Classic is a highly versatile and adjustable dowel joinery system that enables the creation of perfect joints that can be completed in as little as 5 minutes, and that are independently destructive test proven to be stronger than comparable mortise and tenon joints. The system creates quick, easy accurate and strong joints using 3/8" dowels in virtually any configuration that can be flush, offset, mitered, face type, t-type, double or triple row, and of any length or thickness. The standard clamping capacity for work piece thickness is 4 inches which can be expanded to any width by detaching the clamp bracket and using an external clamp. No measuring is required; simply place check marks on the work pieces to be joined, then align the end of Dowelmax with the end of the first work piece so that the check marks on the Dowelmax correspond with the check marks on the work piece. Then drill, and repeat the process for the second work piece. Perfect alignment of all joints is guaranteed because the precise spacing and alignment of the five precision machined drill guides is maintained exactly the same for both work pieces. The design of Dowelmax, coupled with rigorously maintained manufacturing tolerances, ensure that the system is accurate and repeatable from work piece to work piece, and through any adjustment.

For even greater functionality, add the optional 1/4" drill guide package for use with 1/2" and 5/8" stock. With 1" thick work pieces, use a 1/8" spacer plate (also included with the 1/4" drill guide package).

I have used DowelMax on a few project so far. I am completely satisfied. When used carefully, the jig is very precise and creates strong joints. It takes the guess work out of doweling, making it my preferred joining method. Well worth the money.

After seeing a live demonstration of this dowel jig in action I had to buy it. What else can you use to make a simple joint in a matter of 2-3 minutes. The precision is absolutely perfect compared to other doweling jigs. I hope to use this in the future on many projects.

Started using dowels for roll over top glue ups. They go together quite nicely with this dowel max jig and I don't have to beat the boards in order to get them to lay right in the old way of doing glue ups. Great tool !

I have used DowelMax on a few project so far. I am completely satisfied. When used carefully, the jig is very precise and creates strong joints. It takes the guess work out of doweling, making it my preferred joining method. Well worth the money.

After seeing a live demonstration of this dowel jig in action I had to buy it. What else can you use to make a simple joint in a matter of 2-3 minutes. The precision is absolutely perfect compared to other doweling jigs. I hope to use this in the future on many projects.

Started using dowels for roll over top glue ups. They go together quite nicely with this dowel max jig and I don't have to beat the boards in order to get them to lay right in the old way of doing glue ups. Great tool !

BEST ANSWER:NO - units drill guides work fine, just use a light touch and do not bind - use "proper" drill and keep sharpened - once you figure out how to use it, it works great (I keep erection notes on all sizes of wood as spacers need fine tuning) - I use it with my table tops - pretty accurate if you position correctly - product is well machined and built

BEST ANSWER:NO - units drill guides work fine, just use a light touch and do not bind - use "proper" drill and keep sharpened - once you figure out how to use it, it works great (I keep erection notes on all sizes of wood as spacers need fine tuning) - I use it with my table tops - pretty accurate if you position correctly - product is well machined and built

No drill press necessary. Just a cordless drill. Everything else comes with the kit. This gizmo has helped me out quite a bit since I got it. Rock solid joints. Perfectly accurate. Easy to setup and use. My go to joinery solution.

Nope, just a cordless drill---the drillbit is included with the jig. It really is a phenomenal piece of equipment. Absurdly easy to use, extremely well built, and produces joinery of the highest quality. Can't say enough good about it.

BEST ANSWER:Answer is in the product description. It works from 4" wide stock down to anything greater than drill bit dowel hole size as the dowel hole must be smaller than the stock width! On-center, to offset to alingned w/ one stock edge is easily set up with this jig. Aligned w one stock edge is best bet for most plywood and MDF shelving and casework as center alignment can result in tedious sanding for joining pieces w slightly different thickness, stock thickness variation between plywood sheet goods can be noticeable when joining them on center!

The system creates quick, easy accurate and strong joints using 3/8" dowels in virtually any configuration that can be flush, offset, mitered, face type, t-type, double or triple row, and of any length or thickness. The standard clamping capacity for work piece thickness is 4 inches"

BEST ANSWER:Answer is in the product description. It works from 4" wide stock down to anything greater than drill bit dowel hole size as the dowel hole must be smaller than the stock width! On-center, to offset to alingned w/ one stock edge is easily set up with this jig. Aligned w one stock edge is best bet for most plywood and MDF shelving and casework as center alignment can result in tedious sanding for joining pieces w slightly different thickness, stock thickness variation between plywood sheet goods can be noticeable when joining them on center!

The system creates quick, easy accurate and strong joints using 3/8" dowels in virtually any configuration that can be flush, offset, mitered, face type, t-type, double or triple row, and of any length or thickness. The standard clamping capacity for work piece thickness is 4 inches"

Reviews

This isn't just a tool it is a complete doweling system. Being a DYI'r I don't have room or high end woodworking tools but this tool makes almost any joint easy and extremely accurate. I bought my dowelmax before Rockler carried it. Being skeptical that not all tools do what the manufacturer says they will I bought the Dowelmax Jr first and although it will do most of the things the classic will do it is just more time consuming. I have since ordered parts from the manufacturer so that I have most of the parts of the classic kit. I was amazed the first day I got it I made a joint and it was perfect. Don't make the same mistake I did and buy the Junior. The price of the Classic has come down since I bought mine so go for it. Also the people at the company are very helpful and friendly. If you go on YouTube there are many videos showing how to use the system and also stress test to show how strong the joints are. You can use dowels almost anywhere you use mortise and tenon. I don't know about you but dowels are so much easier and faster than mortice and tenon.

I bought this product some years ago from the original designer. I believe it was the second one sold. I have used it for all joint applications in fine furniture making. Even with the amount of use it has received it does seem to wear. In my opinion it is an exceptional tool in every resect. I believe you will find it is well worth the cost.

I purchased DowelMax recently and have used it on a few projects. If used carefully, the device is very precise. It takes the guess work out of doweling and creates strong joints. So far, it is my preferred joining method. The device is impressively crafted. Well worth the money.

I'm glad to see Rockler is carrying the Dowelmax. I've had mine for several years now and can attest to this is being great product. Dowels certainly create a quick and superb joint and the precision of this product takes the uncertainty out of having you dowel holes line up. The tool also has several registration marks ensuring you do not drill you holes in the incorrect surface, not that this has ever happened to me.

I've had the Dowel Max for about a year and have used it many times. Yes, based on price per pound it is on of the most expensive tools in my shop, but it is also my favorite. It is very versatile and easy to use and product description pretty much says it all, "create perfect joints quickly".

As a Mechanical Engineer I wish that I had invented this !!! Had mine for 7 years now. Two centuries ago Dovetails & Mortice & Tenon were it because Glues had LITTLE strength. Today, dowels with Tite Bond 3 are BETTER than the other ways of making a joint. Dowelmax is a profoundly clever & super accurate way of making a GREAT joint. I've used it also in ways not suggested because my experience is in stress analysis and I KNOW it will produce a SUPER result !!!!!Not cheap, BUT worth every dollar. Would NOT sell it for twice the price !!! Buy it and ENJOY it.

This is a quality tool that is almost foolproof to use. Gives amazing results. Take the time to read the directions and follow them and you can't go wrong. This will almost completely replace mortise and tenon joints.

I love the ease of using this doweling jig. I have worked with wood for years but have never used a jig. This makes it so easy and perfectly spaced. I love the checkmarks on the jig. It worked perfectly the first time. I will really use this.

I've been woodworking for 50 years and was 100% a Mortise and Tenon man. But I have to say that this little tool has changed my thinking completely. Very fast joints, come out perfect and 75% faster. From what I hear there just as strong. Do your self a favor and buy this tool. You;ll never regret it. Happy Woodworking.

I had some buyer's remorse over this because of the price but I after using it a while I'm getting over it. It's well built, accurate and flexible. It's nice having something that isn't cheap crap for a change.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."

- Daniel F.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."